MACBAN petitions Plateau govt, DSS over alleged poisoning of cattle

By Golok Nanmwa

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau State has petitioned the Plateau State Government, the Department of State Services and the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace over the alleged persistent killing and poisoning of cattle in communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The petition, dated April 23, 2026, was signed by the state chairman of MACBAN, Ibrahim Babayo, and made available to journalists in Jos on Friday.

Babayo said the petition became necessary following what he described as criminal activities threatening the livelihood of herders in the area.

The petition, titled “Urgent Complaint on Repeated Killing of Cattle,” stated that the incidents occurred repeatedly within a short period.

According to the petition, “These incidents have occurred repeatedly within a very short period, specifically on the 18th, 20th, 22nd and 23rd of April, 2026, in different communities within Barkin Ladi LGA, indicating a dangerous pattern of coordinated attacks without any visible intervention, arrest, or justice.”

Babayo alleged that on April 18, 2026, 10 cows were poisoned to death in Rakung Village.

He further claimed that on April 20, one cow was killed in the same Rakung Village.

The MACBAN chairman added that on April 22, nine cattle were poisoned to death behind the Lokojora area, while another cow was poisoned along the Nding axis the same day.

He said on April 23, another cow was allegedly poisoned to death along the same Nding axis.

Babayo described the attacks on livestock as acts of economic sabotage and a threat to peaceful coexistence, food security and the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens.

He lamented that despite the repeated attacks, no arrests had been made and no compensation paid to victims.

Babayo urged security agencies to end the attacks, investigate the incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

He also called on the government to compensate the affected herders.

While appealing for calm among members, he said, “Our members remain law-abiding and committed to peace. Continued silence or inaction in the face of these repeated provocations may undermine ongoing peace efforts and erode trust in constituted authorities.”